Abstract Critical theory was one of the most phenomenal philosophical discussions of the late 19th century. The critical theory was initiated by the Frankfurt School with one of its characters being Herbert Marcuse. Marcuse analyzed various social inequalities due to the industrialization of technology capitalism. This research will review Herbert Marcuse's thoughts on critical theories. This research uses a philosophical short article, which is to study Herbert Marcuse's thinking in an ideal state. Data used in secondary data and analyzed descriptively qualitatively. The results showed that Herbert Marcuse was an inspiration for the 'new left' movement and the first generation of the Frankfurt School. Marcuse's doctrine of the political system and social system was very radical from orthodox communists. Capitalism society was the source of Herbert Marcuse's study, which was regarded as a modern society. Herbert Marcuse criticized the capitalist society that gave rise to a One Dimensional Society that was largely drugged by various false and pseudo interests. Social democracy was also criticized by Marcuse. Ideally, social democracy contains humanitarian values that uphold equality, justice, and freedom.